Overview & Reviews

One of America's most storied automotive brands, Dodge has been around since the early days of the auto industry. In the past couple of decades, it has revitalized itself to be a producer of aggressively styled and performance-oriented vehicles.

Two brothers, Horace and John Dodge, began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914, after having worked as manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts. Their first vehicle was a touring car that proved a fast favorite with car buyers; it was soon joined by a roadster and a four-door sedan. By 1917, the company's model line had grown to include trucks. Dodge cars and trucks were used as staff vehicles and ambulances in World War I.

Dodge was briefly owned by a banking firm and subsequently sold by its new owner to the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. From there, the brand slowly evolved into the division responsible for trucks and performance-oriented cars. Post WWII, Dodge introduced vehicles like the military-inspired Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer; in addition, the manufacturer began offering dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Vehicles like the Dodge Dart and the Coronet kept the manufacturer in American driveways throughout the 1960s. That decade also saw the launch of one of Dodge's most iconic vehicles, the Charger. Dodge's muscle car was based on the Coronet platform, and featured a fastback roof line, hidden headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. Best of all, the Charger could pack one heck of a wallop under the hood. A 318-cubic-inch V8 was standard, but buyers seeking maximum brawn could upgrade to a 426-cubic-inch, 425-hp Hemi V8. The company also introduced a Mustang-fighting pony car, called the Challenger, in 1970.

As with other American auto manufacturers, Dodge's fortunes started to slip in the '70s due to changing tastes and increased competition. The company was saved from extinction in the early '80s thanks to government loans and the sales success of its Omni and Aries economy cars (the former an attempted copy of the VW Rabbit). But 1984 was when Dodge made its mark in the history books with the introduction of the wildly popular Caravan. Ideal for families and able to seat up to seven, the space-efficient Caravan started a whole new vehicle segment -- the minivan.

The early '90s saw the company wow the public with the V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup that set a new standard for big-rig-like styling. A few years later, Dodge came to be part of DaimlerChrysler, a result of the merger of the German company Daimler (owner of Mercedes-Benz) and Chrysler.

The merger never really worked, however, and Daimler sold Chrysler and Dodge to a private equity firm in 2007. Soon after, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. The federal government intervened and eventually Dodge came under control of Fiat, a European automaker known for its small cars, an area where Dodge's entries had been roundly criticized for mediocre build quality and unrefined performance.

More recent years have seen Dodge concentrate on the more practical vehicles in its lineup, making notable improvements to the performance and overall quality of its midsize Avenger sedan and Journey SUV entries. Dodge also spun off its truck line, making it a separate Ram brand. But make no mistake; Dodge is still considered Chrysler's performance division thanks to cars like the Challenger and Charger. Time will tell how successful Dodge's latest makeover is.

User Reviews:

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  Best truck I could buy - 1997 Dodge Dakota
  By curt - September 25 - 11:30 pm

  I wanted to get a little truck hoping for good gas mileage, and when I found my Dakota SLT 4x4 with the 5.2 V8 I fell in love. Since I got this truck all I have had done was put dual flowmaster exhaust on it which increase my fuel mileage 3 miles. I love the horsepower it has, and I feel this is the best looking Dakota model out there, and my friends agree.

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  Wow - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By Jon B - September 25 - 2:00 am

  For the money this car cannot be ebat

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  Mopar Heaven - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By FloridaBob - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  Being a long time fan of Mopar cars, I have always wanted a Hemi engine. I have owned several muscle cars back in the 60s, this car rates as the best I have ever owned. Car is VERY fast and gets great gas mileage to boot. I only went to the dealer to look, I ended up driving one home.

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  Best Minivan - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Ron - September 24 - 1:55 pm

  My second Dodge minivan. Rides and drives better than any car. Very good gas mileage for the size vehicle. The front seats are very comfortable, especially on long trips. Easy to park. No problems with either van I owned. For the price, you can not beat it. I recommend this minivan to any that wants a comfortable and safe vehicle.

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  A wonderful town and road car - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Dodge Magnum RT - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  I have been intrigued with the lines of this vehicle for several years. This was when I first saw a fleet of three cars, all black and no chrome with all kinds of strips on the outside and antennas on the middle vehicle. These cars were out for high-altitude testing. At that time, I had no idea what kind of vehicle they were. About two years later, I saw the first vehicle on a dealer lot, and it was the Dodge Magnum RT. I have liked this vehicle since. I have always liked the Hemi engine. The last Hemi I owned was in a 1957 Chysler New Yorker. I wouldnt be surprised if that engine ended up in one of Big Daddy Garlits rail dragsters. This is one fantastic vehicle!

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  R/T a winner - 2007 Dodge Caliber
  By Bill - September 23 - 4:23 pm

  The R/T moves and handles very well. The 2.4L "world engine" developed by Daimler, the AWD/suspension and 18"wheels are the difference. Very good fit and finish. Lesser models of the Caliber are adequate, but sound and ride like something the Russians would make.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rose - September 23 - 2:03 pm

  It was such a mistake for Dodge to discontinue making this car. It was super comfortable, aerodynamic (for good gas mileage), and spacious. If they still manufactured this car, I would buy another in a heartbeat! Bring it back.

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  Muscle is for Moms, too - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By MsPbody - September 23 - 12:23 pm

  This is a beautiful, fun to drive car. It transitions nicely from being a family sedan to a "hot" ride quickly. The safety features are impressive, and while many have said the interior leaves much to be desired, I find the design very "woman friendly". We have driven out in the country to see how well the car responds, and let me tell you....it rocks!!

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  After 1 year of hard driving - 2005 Dodge Magnum
  By Jim - September 23 - 11:02 am

  Drives smooth, handles great. After 1 year of in town driving, Im a realtor, I have never had a concern or issue with any mechanical or electrical issue.

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  Would buy it again - 2004 Dodge Durango
  By milos janovsky - September 23 - 9:29 am

  Comfort and easy towing at an incredible price for its value. Highly undervalued by rating companies who are still confused by its previous model.